of all stRbllity. He who forsakes God ruins himse\C and causes destruction to othen. God "resistR the proud, but gives grace to the humble." 2. The moral is seen also in contrast. Those who honour God, as Barnabas and Saul, receive honour from God. The persecutor is cast down, while the persecuted flourish and the work goes on. The blood of the martyr waters the field of the Church, and the tyrant fertilizes it with his bones.-J. Vere, 1-19.-Herodian persecution of fhe <Jhurch. Connection of events showing the working of Divine providence. After Stephen's murder, Caligula. persecuted the J ewe; hence the diversion of their enmity coincident with conversion of Saul. On the accession of Claudius, a time of comparative peace. Appointment of Herod Arnppa renewed their hopes; hence their attempt to crush the Church. The contrast between the Jews and the Christians is seen at this point. They put themselves in the hands of .A.g1·ippa, appointed successor to Herod Philip, with the whole Syrian province under him, by their persecutor O~ligula, and l~tely under Claudius, receiving Judma and Samaria; so that he was equal 10 power to his grandfather, Herod the Great. He was a shameless blasphemer, and feared neither God nor man. Yet the Jewish rulers, in their exasperation, incited him against the Christians. The simplicity of the narrative testifies to the simplicity and sincerity of the disciples. The second martyr- dom has only a single line given to it. But how eloquent the silence! The position of Peter was a more prominent one. Herod's wickedness became bolder. He aimed a blow at the very leader of the Church. Contrast the two histories of James and John-one so early cut off, the other surviving to the end of the century. 'l'he narrative illustrates- I. THE SUPERINTENDING OARE OF GOD OVER ms PEOPLE. !I, '!'HE POWER OF FAITH IN SUSTAINING COURAGE AND CALMNESS m Tll[E 01!' TRIAL. Peter slept. • Ill. THE EFFICACY OF PRAYER. IV, THE CONTRAST DETWEEN THE KINGD0H OF GOD AND THE KINGDOM OF THIS WORLD. 1. The ease of Divine victory. 2. The peaceful brotherhood over against the cruel tyranny of Herod. 3. 'l'he manifestation of the Spirit contrasted with the vain show of power and display of authority. Withdrawment of Herod to ClBsarea a sign of defeat.-R.
Vera. 20-23.-Judgment on the royal persecutor. I. THE WORLDLY POLICY, AND WHAT IT LEADS TO. Idolatry. Blasphemy. The atmosphere of corruption attacks the vitals. The man lives in a moral pest-house. He himself is at last devoured by the filth of his own sins. Examples in all history. The French king in eighteenth century. Napoleon III. II. THE CERTAINTY OF DIVINE PROTECTION. He takes away the evil man. He disperses the dark cloud. Blessed are those that wait on his will.-R.
Ver. 24.-Sanctified affliction. "But the Word of God grew and multiplied." I. THE TROUBLES ARE BLESSINGS IN DISGUISE. I. Drawing the believers together. 2. Revealing the weakness of enemies. 3. Calling out faith and prayerfulness. 4. Occasioning new manifestations of Divine power on behalf of the Church. II. 'l'HE KINGDOM OF GOD UNDER DIVL"IB CONTROL AND INDEPENDENT OF HUHAN AGENCY. A time of famiue and persecution and mourning, but still a time of increase. 'l'he earthly rulers against the Word, but still it grows. 'l'he Church afflicted, but still speaking to the world, and its speech all the more powerful that it comes forth from the troubled depths of sufferina hearts. Instances. 'l'he blood of the martyrs the seed of the Church. Madagascar. When we are weak then are we strong. "Not by might, nor by power, but by God's Spirit."-R. Ver. 25-ch. xiii. 3.-0rdinaeion of Barnabas and Saul to the missionary work. I. 'l'he SPIRIT OF MINISTRATION will always find its opportunities opened to it. Antioch full of the zeal of new converts. SiO'ns of the Spirit there. Eminent men-representin;:; both wide sympathies and considerable culture and intellectual power, proliably accompanied with some wealth. 890 THE ACTS OF THE APOBTLBS. [CB, :m.1-16.